August 3, 2017 — Devotions: Lutherans in North America: Pastor Salaries

Paying for the church building was one problem – paying for the pastor was another. Salaries for pastors were subject to the income of the congregation and often subscriptions (pledges) were appealed from the members. Many were reluctant to make a pledge, especially if they were not enamored with their pastor. This made the pastors feel like “hirelings” – but most pastors were bi-vocational during this period. They were usually provided a parsonage – something that has all but disappeared in our region, and those congregations who do still own a parish house use it for ministry or as rent income. The members of the congregation would provide things for the pastor and the church, like firewood, crops, meat, etc. In one year, Rev. Muhlenberg reports receiving: “a pair of shoes, a bottle of Rhine wine, some plums, a dozen herring, a cake, a pair of new boots and slippers…” and varying amounts of money. The pastors also had set fees for funerals, proclaiming the Wedding Banns, performing weddings, and the visitation following childbirth. Even with these fees and other accommodations, most colonial pastors were barely able to feed and clothe their families.

The following is a journal entry from Rev. Henry M. Muhlenberg from May 30, 1763:
“Mr. Rein gave 7s. (shillings) 6d. (pennies) for his daughter’s confirmation. Susanna Barbara Pfeister gave 7s. 6d. Catherine Liebrich, working at Thomas Schoot’s, gave 5s. for confirmation. Visit from Mr. Truckenmueller and from Apothecary Schneider. Paid 5s. to Maus, the stockinger, for stockings, in behalf of Dr. Martin.” (The Notebook of A Colonial Clergyman – Condensed from the Journals of Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, Fortress Press, Tappert and Doberstein) (Adapted and adopted from The Lutherans in North America, revised edition, E. Clifford Nelson)

Today pastors and other rostered leaders are paid according to guidelines established by the local Synod. In years past, pastors were paid according to the ability of the congregation to support the pastor. In a sense we have never moved forward from the sense that a pastor is a “hireling”. Many pastors find they cannot accept the amount that a church is “able” to pay them, and other pastors find the guidelines put them above many congregation’s ability to support their salary. And, there are still instances where a congregation will ask a pastor to reduce their hours from full to part-time because they can no longer afford their salary. We have come a long way from the time where pastors needed to receive food stamps to help support their family. And yet, some pastors still cannot receive a living wage and need to supplement their income in other ways (i.e. counseling, chaplaincy, etc.) It is good, however, that pastor’s no longer are paid in chickens, eggs, shoes and firewood.

Pastor Dave

Please bring bars of soap for Trinity’s Table.